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Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which affects more than 3 million people in the U.S., often leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and is the most common reason for liver transplantation. Effective treatment (pegylated interferon and ribavirin) is complex and associated with serious adverse effects. Because treatment usually is provided by specialists, patients in underserved areas often have limited access to treatment — one reason treatment rates are actually declining. In a prospective cohort study from New Mexico, primary care clinicians who provided care at a network of 16 rural practices and 5 prisons received specialist support via video- or teleconferencing for treating HCV-positive patients.
The study population …